Performing arts groups throughout B.C. may be able to hold limited-audience events B次元官网网址� including plays and live concerts B次元官网网址� as soon as May or June, with a possibility of a greater return to normality by the fall and winter.

That was the take-away from a March 30 round table meeting between representatives of some 35 B.C. arts groups, tourism, arts, culture and sports minister Melanie Mark and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, according to Brenda Leadlay, executive director of the BC Alliance for Arts and Culture.

In her April report B次元官网网址� issued to members and supporters of the alliance on March 31 B次元官网网址� Leadley said there was some reason for cautious optimism from HenryB次元官网网址檚 remarks during the round table about a return of live events as COVID-19 cases subside.

She warned, however, that B次元官网网址渘one of this is written in stone, and depends on vaccinations, their efficacy and the continued rise of variants that may change everything.B次元官网网址�

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In her summary of the conversation, Leadlay said Henry was optimistic that the current phase of restrictions B次元官网网址� coupled with the current pace of immunization B次元官网网址� might make enough of a difference to permit a gradual reopening of performing arts venues.

This might include a gradual allowance for gatherings of up to 50 people by May or June, plus possible gatherings this summer for seated outdoor events.

A return to normal gatherings indoors could happen progressively during the fall, Leadlay added, with larger venues possibly returning to full capacity by the end of the year.

But presenting international touring acts would probably be the last category of performing arts to return to B.C., she said.

Leadlay said that while Henry had assured those at the round table that she is a B次元官网网址減assionate supporter of the arts,B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 evident her priority continues to be the threat of the COVID-19 virus.

She said that Bob DB次元官网网址橢ith, caucus chair and parliamentary secretary for arts and film in the ministry, will continue to meet with the performing arts sector, while Brian Jonker of the BC Arts Council, and a consortium group of performing arts venues and arts service organizations who have been advocating collectively since the pandemic began, will continue to lobby the PHO to voice the needs of the sector.

alex.browne@peacearchnews.com
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